substantive criminal law

Substantive criminal law consists of the legal rules that define what conduct is considered a crime and specify the consequences for those crimes. It determines which actions are wrongful, such as theft or assault, and sets the punishments, like fines or imprisonment. Essentially, it provides the legal standards that identify violations of societal norms and protect public safety. Substantive law differs from procedural law, which outlines the processes for enforcing these laws. In summary, substantive criminal law establishes the legal boundaries of behavior and the penalties for crossing them.